[Shanghai] Leading exhibitors at DomotexAsia/ChinaFloor (DACF) reported significant sales increases from select global markets and a desire to build brands and market share in those regions.

“The U.S. is still the most important market,” said Xinyue Huang, director of overseas business, Power Dekor, a leading global OEM supplier of bamboo, engineered wood and laminate based in Shanghai. “Even with the economic downturn, our U.S. business continued to grow.”

Switzerland-based KronoSwiss exhibited for the first time at DACF this year to promote LICO, a multi-category hard surface brand for the fast growing Chinese market.

“The U.S. market was kind of weak for us last year,” said Paul Lingg, account manager, KronoSwiss. “The market is crowded and there’s overcapacity. It’s our first year in China and we’re already doing big quantities.”

Norwegian-based Alloc discovered the Chinese appreciate the European brand’s position as a category pioneer and innovator of aluminum locking systems and commercial-grade laminate. “We’re importing Alloc laminate into the medium- and high-end Chinese market,” said Bengt Rasin, general manager, Alloc. “It’s a selling point that it’s made in Europe. We’re seeing significant growth here.”

Armstrong celebrated the March 1 opening of a new commercial sheet vinyl plant in Wujiang, China — the largest vinyl manufacturing facility in China, according to David Shi, marketing manager, Armstrong, Asia. “We don’t send anything to the U.S. Everything is for the Chinese market, which is growing fast,” said Shi. “We use Chinese PVC and limestone, but we do get pigment and plasticizers from Europe. We exist in a global market but this facility is for Chinese demand.”

Some suppliers are looking to Russia and even Africa for new opportunities. “We have been doing less business in the U.S. and much more business in Russia,” said Lisa Chen, marketing manager of Shanghai-based Dekorman, a leading OEM global supplier of laminate flooring. “The Russian market is very appealing right now.”

Sun Jian, director of China’s timber industry management and state forestry administration, noted, “We have very broad Chinese and American markets that are growing again as well the European markets and Africa. The opportunities still trump the challenges.”

With more than 1,200 exhibitors from 30 nations competing for market share under 10 hangers, DACF — the world’s second largest floor convention, held here last month — is a remarkable opportunity for importers, according to Jonathan Train, vice president of corporate development, Swiff-Train.

“You have to go to the major shows to stay up to date with everything that’s going on in the industry,” said Train. “This show has grown so much in the range of products being offered. It’s important for me to be here to find the next opportunity for my customers.”